Work has gotten underway on the new €3.7 million Adult Cystic Fibrosis Out-Patient Department at Galway University Hospitals.
Once complete, the Adult CF OPD will have sufficient capacity, design features and specification to allow for best practices in Cystic Fibrosis treatment.
The new build will minimise cross infection and enable the Merlin Park University Hospital CF multidisciplinary professional team to provide long-term, recurrent support for ambulatory patients.
The project consists of replacement accommodation for Adult Cystic Fibrosis OPD services, and the facility will take approximately nine months to build.
It will cost an estimated €3.7 Million to complete, with the CF association contributing €700,000.
Mary Lane Heneghan of The Galway Branch of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland welcomed the progress, adding, “The forthcoming out-patient unit in Merlin Park University Hospital for adults with CF is a partnership initiative between GUH, CFI and the HSE.”
“It follows on from a similar partnership initiative for Paediatric Outpatients in 2014, which was supported by a house being bequeathed by Andy Browne, uncle of Marion Keane.”
“I wish to acknowledge the fundraising efforts of the people of Galway over many years which has raised €700k towards the cost of this project. This is a time of hope for people with CF in the West of Ireland,” she added.
David Coen, a patient with Cystic Fibrosis attended the sod turning on Wednesday, September 20 at Merlin Park Hospital.
“This is a very happy day for all CF adults in Galway and the West of Ireland. Since adults like me got the new medication our lives have been changed and there is less need for long term stays as an in-patient and greater need for an Outpatients Unit for our ongoing care.”
“I would also like to thank Dr O’Mahony (CF Consultant) and his wonderful team in Galway University Hospital for their ongoing care and support,” he added.
Chris Kane, hospital manager for Galway University Hospitals added, “University Hospital Galway is designated as a Specialist CF Centre for adult patients in the West and a referral point for people with Cystic Fibrosis throughout the Connacht region.”
“This state-of-the-art CF out patients department will ensure that we provide the highest standard of care to our CF adult patients across the region.”
